While they were getting dressed Jason walked up behind Vicky and pulled her into him for one more kiss “Come home with me tonight?”
. Vicky wasn’t expecting that. She didn’t know what she expected but it wasn’t that. Vicky’s eyes were so transparent and he saw the surprise and doubt in them. He soldiered on “I don’t want to wake up in the morning and you’re not next to me. Pack a bag for you and Angel…or not. I can buy you whatever you need once we are in Atlanta. Just come home with me tonight”. After all the passion and love they’d just shared Vicky wanted that too. She had to take the chance. She gently kissed Jason on the lips and whispered “yes”.
They were flying home on Jason’s private plane. He smiled looking at his new family, Vicky and Angel. Angel had never been on a plane before but she seemed to be a natural. The flight crew fell in love with her on the spot. She was such a lovable child he couldn’t understand why anyone wouldn’t love her immediately. Jason realized he was truly happy for the first time in a long time.
They arrived late at night to Jason’s home. It was pretty dark outside when they finally made it so Vicky didn’t really get a chance to see the opulence of the grounds
and majesty of the house. She just knew it took a few minutes to get from the gate to the property. However, when they pulled up in front of the house she wasn’t prepared for how large it was. Vicky knew that Jason came from a lot of money but it wasn’t until the moment she saw his home that it really dawned on her that Jason was very very rich. It was obvious from Vicky’s reaction that she was thrown a little bit by it. She’d gone pale liked she had stopped breathing. He touched then held her hand “I hope you like my home in my hood”. That took a little of the tension out of Vicky’s face. She gazed into his eyes and hoped everything would be ok.
Jason helped both she and Angel out of the car. However, Vicky didn’t allow Jason to carry Angel inside. She held on tightly to her. Almost like a security blanket. She still had that deer in headlights look on her face. Once they went inside Jason introduced her to Willa the housekeeper/cook and Fred his butler/driver. They were very gracious and not surprised since Jason had called ahead to let them know that he’d be bringing home a guest and her daughter. Vicky was so self conscience. She noticed everything from Angel’s worn shoes to her worn coat.
She couldn’t help but feel like she didn’t belong. Jason kissed her on the top of her head “I know it’s late and you’ve had a long day but are you hungry? Or, would you like a tour, or would you like to wait until morning?” Vicky was struggling to hold onto Angel since she’d been holding her too tightly since they arrived at the house. Her arms were starting to hurt. Of course, Jason noticed “You know I can take her? You’ve been holding her for awhile. Plus, I think she kind of likes me. You don’t have to do this on your own anymore. You have me now.” Jason kissed her lips. For a little while his kiss wiped away all of her doubts and fears. She loosened her hold on Angel and let him take her into his arms. “I’ve had a room made up for her….” Vicky coughed nervously “I think she would probably sleep better with me tonight. If she wakes up in a strange place it might scare her”. Jason nodded, grabbed her hand and started the walk up the stairs to his bedroom. It was going to be a long sleepless night if he had to sleep in a bed with Vicky and not make love to her. He sure was hoping for a repeat performance from this afternoon. As Vicky walked up the winding staircase she just couldn’t believe the beauty of it all. She’d never seen something so beautiful in all of her life. Not even in a hotel or museum. They finally made it to Jason’s bedroom and when he opened the door her mouth almost hit the floor. It looked more like an apartment than a bedroom. “Oh my gosh…this is your bedroom? It’s incredible Jason”. He smiled. He was proud of his home. He may have inherited his family’s business but he worked really hard to bring it to the success that it was today. He walked over and put Angel on his bed. The bed had to have been special order as it was much larger than a king sized bed. All three of them could fit in it without touching and still have plenty of room. Jason was in the process of taking off Angel’s shoes when Vicky realized she forgot to grab their bags from the car “I forgot to get our bags. Her sleepers are in there” Jason smirked to himself. He knew it would take Vicky some time to get used to having help but he’d do his best to make sure she got settled. “Fred will bring them up in a bit. Are you sure you’re not hungry? Angel ate everything in sight but I noticed you didn’t touch anything on the plane”. Vicky was just too nervous to eat. She’d never been on a plane before let alone a private jet. “Willa prepared her famous chili” there was a knock on the door. It was Fred bringing up their bags. Vicky couldn’t eat anything if she tried. Jason walked up to Vicky and wrapped his arms around her “I’m still the same person Vicky and I’m in love with you”. Vicky realized she was being silly. She was with Jason nothing else mattered “You’re right. I’m just a little nervous” He kissed her. He couldn’t seem to help himself. When he’d finished kissing her he asked Fred to have Willa bring Vicky up some dinner.
While Vicky was eating the wonderful
chili that Willa had prepared Jason went to run a bath. He hoped it would help her to relax but when he came out to convince her to take a bath with him she was already fast asleep in bed with Angel. So, Jason did the only thing he could. He drained the bath, undressed and got in bed too. It was going to be a long night.
Vicky opened her eyes to the sun shining through the windows. She looked over at the clock on the nightstand and it was already ten in the morning. She never slept this late. Jason was gone and so was Angel. Where were they? And, why didn’t they wake her up? Vicky showered and quickly dressed in sweat bottoms and a tee shirt, then headed down stairs. She walked in the direction of the voices she heard. They were in the kitchen. Jason and Angel were at the breakfast table eating and Jason’s back was to Vicky. He didn’t hear her come into the room. Jason was talking to Angel as he was feeding her. “You are just as sweet as your mom. I guess you don’t like applesauce because you have more on me than you’ve actually eaten”. Vicky relished in the giggles of Angel and Jason’s laughter. Her heart was so full taking in the scene before her that she couldn’t help smiling too. “Good morning everyone” Jason turned around still smiling from the food fight he was having with Angel. Vicky walked over and kissed them. “Would you like some breakfast”? “If breakfast is as good as the chili then yes that would be wonderful because the chili was incredible. Thank you.” Willa nodded and went to prepare a plate for her. Vicky tried to use a napkin to clean up Jason “you are a mess” still smiling “Yeah, and I love it and you too”. Then he kissed her again. He couldn’t seem to get enough of kissing her. “Babe, I’ve got some errands to run this morning so I’ll be gone for a couple of hours. Do you think you guys will be ok without me?” Vicky sat down with the plate Willa had prepared “We’ll miss you but Angel and I will be fine. We’ll get acquainted with your home while you’re gone and explore.” Jason kissed Vicky long and hard again then rose and left the kitchen. Ms. Willa had known Jason a long time and was very protective of him. She’d met her share of gold diggers over time. However, she wasn’t quite sure what to make of Vicky just yet but she seemed to be very different from all the others. Angel was a beautiful child and with her coloring many could consider her of mixed heritage. He seemed very enamored with her. Of course, Willa would keep her opinions to herself…for now.
Later
that afternoon Vicky put Angel down for her nap. Then she decided to check out Jason’s library. She hoped she could find something good to read until he got back. As she was making her way down the stairs there was a commotion in the foyer. Willa in a very controlled but firm voice was talking to some woman who looked like she’d just stepped off of the cover of a magazine. “Mr. Rutherford is not home Ms. Reed”. Bridget was not used to anyone telling her what to do especially the help. “I left a couple of things in our bedroom and it won’t take but a minute to get them” Willa did not budge or indicate that she’d even heard her. “Fine..I will just wait for him in our den”. Willa crossed her arms “I’m afraid that won’t be possible either”. Vicky came over to the door next to Willa “Is there a problem Willa? Can I help?” Bridget’s attention was transferred from Willa to Vicky. At first, it was a look of relief “Jason finally decided to hire more help. Maybe once you’re trained and dressed properly he’ll fire Willa”. Bridget glared at the woman when she said it. Vicky’s hair was starting to stand up on the back of her neck “I’m sorry Ms. Reed I’m not the ‘help’ I’m his girlfriend and Jason is not home right now. Maybe you should call him and schedule a time to pick up your things”. Bridget was shocked but recovered quickly. She took a really good look at Vicky slowly from her head to her feet then back up again. “Interesting, I find that very hard to believe. You said you were his new girlfriend? Hmmm…Well, you know men; they’ll go anywhere and do
anyone
to lick their wounds. This must be his way of dealing with me breaking off our engagement”. Vicky had heard enough but before she could say anything Willa backed Bridget up until she was standing on the outside of the door threshold “Ms. Reed, Jason is not home. Please call next time before arriving unannounced”. Then, she firmly closed the door in her face. Vicky just stood there. She was rooted to the floor. All her doubts and insecurities resurfaced tenfold. Jason was engaged? That meant he had to have loved her..
right
? Bridget was very beautiful and looked exactly like someone Jason would probably date. Vicky couldn’t help but compare herself to her. Vicky looked at what she was wearing..a t-shirt, sweatpants, and her hair in a messy pony-tail. No wonder she thought Vicky was the help and not Jason’s girlfriend. Bridget was very beautiful. She said she broke off the engagement. Did Bridget want him back? Was that the reason she came to the house? If she did there was no way she could compete with someone like her. If Jason took her back where would that leave her and Angel? Heartbroken that’s where it would leave them. Although Vicky tried to put on a brave front she was embarrassed. Vicky stammered “I was just heading to the library to grab a book I hope that’s ok”. Willa’s heart softened for the girl “Mr. Rutherford gave you free reign of the house while he was gone. I’m sure he would be happy for you to do anything you’d like” Vicky nodded and went off into the direction of the library.
Over at Jason’s parent’s estate he walked into their home. The house was being transformed. Workers were still everywhere. People were dusting, waxing floors, vacuuming and who only knows what else. He heard his mother’s voice raised above all the noise from across the room “Jason we’re in here”. Jason went into the family room and went over to his mother who was sitting at her desk. He kissed her on the cheek “Hey mom and dad” then he went over by his dad, squeezed his shoulder and sat down. John Rutherford was sitting on the sofa reading the financials while his mother was looking over what looked liked seating arrangements. John peered over his glasses and cut straight to the point “What was so important that I had to cancel my tee time so you could meet with us this afternoon?” Jason smiled. He wondered if he’d be like his dad when he got to be his age. Anyway, he shook his head and smiled “Well..I came over to tell you both that…I’ve met someone” his mother stop mid motion to really focus on Jason. She was joyously intrigued. She quickly put her papers down and came over to sit with them. “She is incredible actually. Although we’ve only been dating a few weeks I feel like I’ve known her my whole life. I think she could be the one”. Jason’s mother jumped up and hugged him tightly. Jason’s father was more reserved “Ok..Obviously there is more to this story since you’ve never come to us before to discuss someone you were dating. Not even when you were dating Bridget and I thought that was pretty serious”. Mrs. Rutherford shooed her husband “Oh John, this isn’t just someone he’s dating. He said she could be ‘the one’. That’s a big deal. Well, do we know her? Do we know her parents? Are you bringing her to our anniversary dinner?” Jason sat up on the edge of the sofa. Truth be told he’d forgotten all about that dinner. “Dad, you’re right to a certain degree. Mom, no you don’t know her or her parents I’m sure. Her name is Victoria Martin. Vicky is one of our employees at CkR International. She’s been with the company for a little better than a year. Honestly, I hadn’t thought about bringing her to the dinner with so much going on it slipped my mind” Jason paused like he had lost his train of thought. However, John put down his paper and really prodded Jason “Go on…I can hear it in your voice that there is more”. Jason nodded “You right there is more. First, let me be clear I want Vicky by my side and if she’ll have me no matter what that is exactly where she will be. But secondly, I want to make the coming adjustments less difficult for her. She doesn’t come from money. She is an amazing woman and I’m very proud of her. She’s a little skittish right now and trying to find her footing might be challenging. Mom, you have so many connections and I’m hopeful you can help Vicky with the transition and feel more confident about everything that comes along with being attached to the Rutherford family. Again, I’m not asking for approval I’m asking you to help me make things easier for her. You know how hard the press can be and possibly even some of my friends. I don’t want her hurt.” John sighed, he loved Jason more than anything and would do anything to help him but he got the distinct feeling Jason still wasn’t telling him everything “You know I’ll do whatever I can if she is really your choice. Where is she now?” “She’s at my house. We flew in together late last night.” Miriam clapped her hands together “You know I’ve waited for this moment my whole life. I can’t wait to get to know her Jason. You know we’ll do anything we can to be helpful”. Miriam felt if they wanted her help no time like the present to get started “How about we come over for an early dinner? Say around five this evening? We can get a chance to meet her and go from there.” Jason nodded “that actually sounds good mom. Let me just talk to her first and I’ll give you a call to confirm”. After another thirty minutes or so Jason said his goodbyes, they all stood up, and he left for home.